Mango
Leaf-cutting Weevil
Deporaus marginatus
Insect
In a Nutshell
- Brown, curled and crumpled young leaves.
- Stripped shoots visible from a distance on infested plants.
- Presence of leaf bits under the tree.
Can also be found in
Mango
Symptoms
Adult weevils feed on the surface of young leaves, causing them to turn brown, curl, and crumple. Plants infested by the weevils have visibly stripped shoots that can be seen from a distance. Pieces of young leaves can often be found under the tree. Damage of autumn shoots leads to significant delays in the development of the rootstock and decreases the success rate of new grafts. As a result, the affected shoots struggle to develop fruits properly, which ultimately reduces the overall yield of the orchard.
Recommendations
Organic Control
Alternative options for control of Leaf-cutting weevil in mango are limited to the use of preventive measures and good field practices.
Chemical Control
Insecticides like deltamethrin and fenvalerate can be used to protect young shoots from weevil attacks, according to local regulations. When the young leaves are still small, it's advisable to spray pesticides to protect the leaves and shoots. Be aware that frequent rain and the big height of mango trees can reduce the effectiveness of these sprays. These weevils are good fliers and often return after rain washes the pesticide away, so continuous surveillance is necessary. When using pesticides or any chemical product, it is important to wear protective clothing, including eye protection, and carefully read the label instructions. Regulations vary by country, so ensure you follow the specific guidelines for your area. This guarantees safety and increases the chances of successful application.
What caused it?
The mango Leaf-cutting weevil is native to tropical Asia where it occurs in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Mango Leaf-cutting weevil devastating pest of freshly emerged mango foliage. The adult female weevil lays eggs on young leaves and then cuts them off, causing the leaves to fall to the ground. After about eleven days, the larvae leave the fallen leaves and mature into adults in the soil. When these adults emerge, they start the cycle over again.
Preventive Measures
- Regularly collect the fallen pieces of leaves from the orchard floor.
- Plough the soil under the crowns of plants to kill the stage of the life cycle that is in the soil.
- Monitor for infestation especially in the beginning of the rainy season and in the time of young shoots development.
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